Police kill 2 cultists in Rivers gun battle, rescue kidnapped victim

Police in Rivers have killed two suspected cultists in a gun battle at Rumuolumeni area of, Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The shootout happened around noon on Wednesday, ending with the killing of the suspects, who were holding a victim kidnapped on the 3rd of May.

In a statement issued after the incident, the Rivers Police command confirmed the development, adding that the victim was rescued unhurt.

“Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that today 13/05/2015 at 12:30 p.m., Police operatives acting on a credible information, stormed a suspected kidnappers den at NDDC Road, off Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, where a kidnapped victim, Righteous Inimme, who was kidnapped on 03/05/2015, at New GRA II, Port Harcourt, was kept," the statement read.

“The victim was safely rescued while two of the suspected kidnappers got injured during the cross firing. The suspected kidnappers later died while on the way to hospital."

The police added that "one AK 47 rifle and one Beretta pistol with 20 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspected kidnappers."

While appreciating the information that led to the gang's smashing, the police urged members of the public to always support the police.

“Rivers State Police Command expresses its unreserved appreciation for credible information like this that led to the rescue of this innocent citizen. Members of the public with credible information are encouraged to volunteer such to the Police as they are assured that their identity will strictly remain confidential.”

The identities of the deceased suspects have not being released.